Moderation Process for Doctor of Ministry Units MD802, MD803
In the Doctor of Ministry program two units require moderation by field of study moderators,
viz. MD802 Theological Research Seminar (Unit outline – Appendix 1), and MD803
Theoretical Research Seminar (Unit outline – Appendix 2). At the outset of their study a
candidate’s project topic determines the field of study designation (EM, DM, PC etc). Unless
otherwise required by the agreed reading list, the moderator who acts as moderator for
assessments is the moderator for that field of study.
Process
The DMin units MD802 and MD803 may be completed in two ways.
1. Assessment by supervisor
a. The candidate and supervisor agree on a reading list for the unit that reflects
the candidate’s research project;
b. the reading list is submitted by the supervisor to the field of study moderator
in which the project falls for comment and noting;
c. the candidate completes the two assignments for the unit, which are assessed
by the supervisor
d. the supervisor sends to the field of study moderator the major piece of work,
it’s mark (out of 100), and comments that were given to the candidate.
e. The field of study moderator sends a report on the major piece of work (using
the grading criteria for DMin units – Appendix 3) to Elizabeth Kohn, as well
as copies of the moderation report to the candidate’s sponsoring college
registrar and supervisor.
2. Assessment by lecturer and participation in 700 level MA unit
a. The candidate and supervisor identify a 700 level MA unit that fits with the
candidates research project, and the candidate enrols in this unit;
b. The lecture of the 700 level unit notifies the field of study moderator of the
enrolment of a DMin candidate in the unit;
c. the candidate completes the two assignments for the DMin unit; the major
assignment is assessed by the lecturer of the 700 level unit using the DMin
grading guideline; the minor assignment is assessed by the candidate’s
supervisor;
d. the lecture sends to the field of study moderator the major piece of work, it’s
mark (out of 100), and comments that were given to the candidate.
e. The field of study moderator sends a report on the major piece of work (using
the grading criteria for DMin units – Appendix 3) to Elizabeth Kohn, as well
as copies of the moderation report to the candidate’s sponsoring college
registrar and supervisor.
1
Assignments
The assignments for these two units are generic.
MD802 assignments
1. Major assignment (graded out of 100%): Based on the reading agreed on as the content
of the unit, a 6500- 8,000 word essay that: presents a literature review of the material
read as it relates to the candidate’s research topic, including identifying the need to
undertake the research; presents a theological critique of previous work on the research
topic, and a rationale and defence of the candidate’s theological approach to the
research topic.
2. Minor assignment (pass/fail): A research journal 1500-2000 words that records the
candidate’s reflection on the process of engaging with the knowledge and skills utilised
in the unit, and reflection on the contribution the unit has made to development as a
lifelong learner and ministry practitioner.
MD803 assignments
1. Major assignment (graded out of 100%): Based on the reading agreed on as the content
of the unit, a 6500- 8,000 word essay that: presents a literature review of the material
read as it relates to the candidate’s research topic, including identifying the need to
undertake the research; presents a critique of theoretical methods used in previous work
on the research topic, and a rationale and defence of the candidate’s theoretical method
for the research topic.
2. Minor assignment (pass/fail): A research journal 1500-2000 words that records the
candidate’s reflection on the process of engaging with the knowledge and skills utilised
in the unit, and reflection on the contribution the unit has made to development as a
lifelong learner and ministry practitioner.
Grading Guidelines
Moderators are to use the grading guidelines provided when assessing the quality of the
major assignment. Candidates must have a distinction average across the two units if they are
automatically to proceed to the research phase of the DMin.
2
Appendix 1 Unit outline for MD802 Theological Research Seminar
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY
Application for the adoption of a new unit in the following course(s):
 Doctor of Ministry
1. College making this
submission
2. A title appropriate to
the content of the unit
3. Workload in contact
hours and semesters
4. The status of the unit
(core or elective)
5. Any pre-requisite or
co-requisite unit
 Graeme Chatfield – Associate Dean
 MD802 Theological Research Seminar


26 hours over one semester; or minimum 4 supervision sessions over one
semester
Core for Doctor of Ministry
 No
 No
6. Any exclusions
7. A statement of
purpose
of
unit,
addressing
its
relationship
to
the
overall
course
objectives,
clearly describing the
desired
learning
outcomes in terms of the
knowledge, generic and
technical or specialist
skills, and personal and
intellectual development
8.
Unit
content
appropriate
to
the
purpose,
level
and
weighting of the unit and
consistent
with
the
achievement
of
the
learning outcomes
9. Delivery methods
relevant to the purpose,
learning outcomes and
content
 Purpose: To facilitate exploration and evaluation of the literature and research
associated with the candidate’s research topic with a particular emphasis its
theological understandings and implications for the proposed research topic.
 Aims: To evaluate the literature and research associated with the candidate’s
research topic in view of relevant various fields of Christian studies such as but
not limited to Theology, Biblical Studies, Spirituality, Ethics, History, Pastoral
Studies, and Liturgical Studies.
 Learning Outcomes: At the end of the unit student should be able to:
1. Evaluate the literature and research associated with their research topic in light of
relevant Christian field(s) of study
2. Empathetically and critically analyse the literature and research so as to identify
the need to undertake the proposed research topic
3. Construct a defensible theological approach and interpretation to their research
topic.
4. reflect at an advanced level on the integration of the knowledge and skills
acquired through this unit with their personal and professional development as a
lifelong learner.
 Specific knowledge content for this unit will be either negotiated with the
candidate’s supervisor, or use a masters level unit as the foundational content for
the unit.
 All assessments will be graded at beginning doctoral level.
 The unit may be undertaken part of a coursework masters unit either a semester
length unit of 26 hours face to face or in intensive mode, where the candidate
participates in the lectures and seminar activities and complements those activities
with at least 4 supervision sessions with their supervisor to ensure the learning
outcomes of this unit are achieved.
 The unit may also be undertaken under as a reading contract with the supervisor
where the candidate is required to have a least 4 supervision sessions and also
3
participate in postgraduate seminars over the course of a semester where they
present their material to other postgraduate candidates on at least two occasions.
10. Description of any
specialist facilities or
equipment to support the
delivery methods
11.
Description
of
library
holdings
to
support the teaching of
this unit
12. Assessment methods
appropriate
to
the
learning outcomes of the
unit and the award level,
and that demonstrate
how
the
learning
outcomes for the unit
will be judged
13. Qualifications and
professional experience
of academic staff to
match their teaching
responsibilities
14. Set texts and
recommended readings
that are relevant, current
and diverse.

No specialist facilities are required.
3. Libraries must hold or provide access to the reading resources required by the
candidate’s reading list.
4. One 6500- 8,000 word essay that presents a literature review of the research topic
that identifies the need to undertake the research and, presents a theological
critique of previous work on the research topic, and the rationale and defence of
the candidate’s theological approach to the research topic.
5. A research journal 1500-2000 words that records the candidate’s reflection on the
process of engaging with the knowledge and skills of this unit and the contribution
the unit has made to their lifelong learning (Learning Outcome 4).
 A person qualified to teach at coursework masters level and the candidate’s
supervisor.
Candidates and supervisors should ensure that a minimum of 3,000 pages is being
assessed in this unit.
As well as the reading list related to the specific research topic agreed to by the candidate
and supervisor texts such as the following list should be consulted to assist the candidate
in developing their theological critique. This list of text is indicative.
Bennie, R., Quality with Soul: How Six Premier Colleges and Universities Keep faith
with their Religious Traditions, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001
Due, P. & Strange, D (eds), Keeping Your Balance: Approaching theological and
religious studies, Leicester: IVP/ Apollos, 2001
Poe, H.L., Christianity in the Academy: Teaching at the Intersection of Faith and
Learning, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004
Yaghjian, L.B., ‘Teaching Theological Reflection Well: Reflecting on writing as a
theological practice’, Teaching Theology and Religion, Vol 7, No. 2, 2004,
pp.83-94.
4
Appendix 2 Unit outline of MD803 Theoretical Research Seminar
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY
Application for the adoption of a new unit in the following course(s):
 Doctor of Ministry
1. College making this
submission
2. A title appropriate to
the content of the unit
3. Workload in contact
hours and semesters
4. The status of the unit
(core or elective)
5. Any pre-requisite or
co-requisite unit
6. Any exclusions
7. A statement of
purpose
of
unit,
addressing
its
relationship
to
the
overall
course
objectives,
clearly describing the
desired
learning
outcomes in terms of the
knowledge, generic and
technical or specialist
skills, and personal and
intellectual development
8.
Unit
content
appropriate
to
the
purpose,
level
and
weighting of the unit and
consistent
with
the
achievement
of
the
learning outcomes
9. Delivery methods
relevant to the purpose,
 Graeme Chatfield – Associate Dean
 MD803 Theoretical Research Seminar


26 hours over one semester; or minimum 4 supervision sessions over one
semester
Core for Doctor of Ministry
 No
 No
 Purpose: To facilitate the critical evaluation of the literature and research
associated with the candidate’s research topic particularly as theoretical and
methodological issues intersect with the proposed research topic to the end that a
candidate will be able to defend the proposed methodology for their research topic.
 Aims: To enable candidates to critically evaluate the influence of various social
science theories, such as but not limited to Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology,
Organisational Theory, Systems Theory, in their field of research. To enable
students to apply the data interpretative skills acquired in MD801 to analyse
research reports related to their research topic. To enable candidates to
empathetically report, critically analyse existing methodological approaches to
their research topic and argue for their chosen methodology. To continue with the
personal professional develop of the candidate as a beginning Christian researcher
within their specific ministry context.
 Learning Outcomes: At the end of the unit student should be able to:
5. Empathetically report and critically analyse existing methodological approaches
as they intersect with their research topic
6. Evaluate relevant social science theories as they intersect with their research topic
7. Cogently defend their adopted research methodology
8. Evaluate the degree of risk to which research subjects and/or the researcher would
be exposed by the proposed research method and describe strategies to minimise
these risks.
9. Reflect at an advanced level on the integration of the knowledge and skills
acquired through this unit with their personal and professional development as a it
applies to their specific ministry context.
 Specific knowledge content for this unit will be either negotiated with the
candidate’s supervisor, or use a masters level unit as the foundational content for
the unit.
 All assessments will be graded at beginning doctoral level.
 The unit may be undertaken part of a coursework masters unit either a semester
length unit of 26 hours face to face or in intensive mode, where the candidate
5
learning outcomes and
content
10. Description of any
specialist facilities or
equipment to support the
delivery methods
11.
Description
of
library
holdings
to
support the teaching of
this unit
12. Assessment methods
appropriate
to
the
learning outcomes of the
unit and the award level,
and that demonstrate
how
the
learning
outcomes for the unit
will be judged
13. Qualifications and
professional experience
of academic staff to
match their teaching
responsibilities
14. Set texts and
recommended readings
that are relevant, current
and diverse.
participates in the lectures and seminar activities and complements those activities
with at least 4 supervision sessions with their supervisor to ensure the learning
outcomes of this unit are achieved.
 The unit may also be undertaken under as a reading contract with the supervisor
where the candidate is required to have a least 4 supervision sessions and also
participate in postgraduate seminars over the course of a semester where they
present their material to other postgraduate candidates on at least two occasions.

No specialist facilities are required.
6. Libraries must hold or provide access to the reading resources required by the
candidate’s reading list.
7. One 6500- 8,000 word essay that argues for the candidate’s chosen research
method compared with other possible methods and that evaluates the ethical risks
involved in undertaking the proposed research. The essay should include the
critical analysis of other methodologies that have been used to undertake research
in the research topic area, the strengths and weakness of the candidate’s chosen
research method, and evidence of the capacity to interpret both quantitative and
qualitative data and an awareness of the human subject research ethical
implications of the proposed research method and how to minimise the ethical risk
(Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).
8. A research journal 1500-2000 words that records the candidate’s reflection on the
process of engaging with the knowledge and skills of this unit and the contribution
the unit has made to them personal and professional within their specific ministry
context (Learning Outcome 5).
 A person qualified to teach at coursework masters level and the candidate’s
supervisor.
Candidates and supervisors should ensure that a minimum of 3,000 pages is being
assessed in this unit.
As well as the reading list related to the specific research topic agreed to by the candidate
and supervisor texts such as the following list should be consulted to assist the candidate
in developing their theoretical critique. This list of text is indicative.
Creswell, John, Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method
approaches, 2nd ed., Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2003
Cohen, Louis, Lawrence Manion & Keith Morrison, Research Methods in
Education, 7th ed., London & New York: Routledge / Falmer, 2011
Hesse-Biber, Sharlene J. Nagy & Patricia Lina Leavy, The Practice of Qualitative
Research, 2nd ed., Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2011
Hoggard Creegan, N. & C.D. Pohl, Ch 6, ‘Evangelical and Feminist Maps:
Redefining the Theological Interior,’ in Living on the Boundaries:
Evangelical Women, Feminism and the Theological Academy, Downers
Grove: IVP, 2005, pp.126-151.
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, Canberra: Australian
Government, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian
Research Council and Australian Vice-Chancellor’s Committee, 2007
6
DMin Exit point and grade descriptors
EXIT POINT
Under the new Doctor of Ministry regulations, for a DMin candidate to proceed to the thesis
phase the candidates is normally required to achieve a Distinction in the two graded first
phase units, MD802 and MD803. While ‘normally’ gives the RRSC some discretion to
review borderline cases, for example if a candidate were to achieve a high Credit in their first
unit and a Distinction in their second unit, there may well be times where a candidate is
clearly not achieving the required level but has nevertheless successfully completed the units.
In such cases the regulations require that the candidature is discontinued. However, no
provision was made to acknowledge the successful completion of work that may have been
achieved by the candidate.
It is therefore recommended that DMin candidates who successfully complete MD801,
MD802 and MD803 but do not achieve an overall 3.0 GPA and are not approved to proceed
to the DMin research phase will be awarded a GradCertMin.
Approved by Research & Research Studies Committee
R&RSC Minutes RC1202-10.1, 17 February 2012.
GRADE POINT DISCRIMINATIONS
THE RATIONALE
Grades need an objective yardstick that is a composite of a finite and workable number of
criteria for clear categorizing of evidences.
Distinction could be made on the basis of four domains.
a. Argumentation: The capacity to sustain a reasoned and coherent argument based on a
depth of reflection.
b. Interaction: Evidence of engagement and appreciation of the appropriate type and
level of scholarly literature of a theological or theoretical kind.
c. Integration: Evidence of the capacity to discern the implications of the data for the
human domain, the field of inquiry or the particular issue being investigated.
d. Contribution: Evidence of fresh insightful or original thinking and the potential for
the conclusion to contribute to current debates or to progress the ‘frontline’ of
knowledge.
MD802 & MD803 GRADE DISCRIMINATIONS
High Distinction: 85%+
a. Penetrating reflection upon and analysis of the topic at the highest level, arguments
presented compellingly with sustained reasoning or evidences.
b. A mature interaction with an exhaustive range of appropriate sources displaying a
thoughtful interpretation and synthesis of the critical ideas and issues.
c. Creative and insightful application of fresh findings to a well framed and challenging
research question or ministry phenomenon.
d. Well-articulated, independent conclusions making an original, publishable
contribution to the study and practice of ministry
7
Distinction 75-85%
a. Clear Reflection upon and analysis of the topic at advanced levels, arguments clearly
sustained with sustained reasoning or evidences.
b. A skilful interaction with a wide range of appropriately selected sources displaying a
sensitive interpretation and comprehension of critical ideas and issues.
c. Insightful application of fresh findings to a well framed research question or ministry
phenomenon
d. Articulation of insightful conclusions, with the potential to make an original
contribution to the study and practice of ministry
Credit 65-74%
a. Evidence of reflection upon and analysis of the topic with arguments generally
sustained with reasoning or evidences.
b. Clear evidence of interaction with a range of mostly relevant sources displaying an
understanding of the critical ideas and issues.
c. Clear demonstration of the relevance of findings to a particular research question or
ministry phenomenon
d. Articulation of reasoned conclusions, making some if not an original contribution to
the study or practice of ministry
Pass (50-64%)
a. Some evidence of reflection upon and analysis of the topic although arguments could
have been sustained with more compelling reasoning or evidences.
b. Some evidence of interaction with a sample of sources displaying some knowledge of
the critical ideas or issues.
c. Some demonstration of the relevance of findings to a particular research question or
ministry phenomenon.
d. Conclusions derived from informed deductions without the likelihood of making a
contribution to the study or practice of ministry.
Fail (0-49%)
a. Little or a completely inadequate attempt at reflection upon or analysis of the topic
and general lack of coherent argument.
b. An insubstantial range of sources or an inappropriate selection with little
acknowledgement of the key ideas or issues.
c. Inability to demonstrate the relevance of findings or ideas to a particular research
question or ministry phenomenon.
d. Unsubstantiated conclusions or baseless assertions with little or no contribution to the
study or practice of ministry.
Approved by Research & Research Studies Committee
R&RSC Minutes RC1202-10.1, 17 February 2012.
8
DMIN THESES
The thesis must embody the results of independent scholarship and research. It must show evidence of
originality and independence of thought, posing a new insight into the topic or formulating an existing
issue in a novel and useful way.
Where the special character of the thesis so demands, some additional form of assessment may be
required by the Research Committee.
The thesis must be a work of appropriate literary standard. While assessing what constitutes “an
original contribution to the field of ministry and practice” is no easy matter, nevertheless one way of
gauging whether a candidate’s work meets the criterion is to consider the extent to which the thesis is
publishable.
On the recommendation of the Research Committee, candidates may be given approval to conduct a
piece of research which does not conform to the methodology normally associated with a thesis at
doctoral level. While the thesis must make an original contribution to the field of ministry and
practice and be conducted at the highest level of analytical endeavour, it may take the form of a
creative response to the challenge of ministry in the candidate’s vocational context. It must be
demonstrated that theses of this nature have been completed to the highest critical standards which
apply in the foundational disciplines within which they are situated, e.g., statistics, music, linguistics.
Examples of the types of projects that might be approved are:
* composing of a body of congregational music or liturgical resources for the use of a Christian
congregation or community to meet a hitherto unrealised need,
* original translation into an indigenous language of biblical books,
* producing original video/audio material enhancing pastoral enterprise,
* a demographic analysis of the candidate’s social or geographic sphere of ministry,
* planning and putting into practice an innovative ministry.
Approved by Research & Research Studies Committee
R&RSC Minutes RC1202-10.1, 17 February 2012.
9